When my boys were little, I'd wake up early on Sundays and walk down to Glenmore Reservoir to make land art. This was a sacred time each week when I could sit in silence on the beach, sipping coffee and notice the world around me.
For me, making land art is as much a spiritual practice as it is a creative one. I always start by noticing what's in abundance. Each season offers up unique gifts and I'm always excited to collaborate with Mother Nature. If nothing immediately calls to me, like ice or drifwood, I slowly wander along the beach, allowing myself to be surprised by what I find. Things like leaf skeletons, clay and feathers have inspired many unique creations.
Over time I began to notice bits of coloured plastic mixed in with the rocks and driftwood. It seemed worst along the eastern shore. The plastic had become part of this landscape, proof that humans had been there.
Since I couldn't ignore it, I started collecting it in my pockets, backpack and later garbage bags. I incorporated it into my art in hopes that I could raise awareness about plastic pollution. I also started organizing an annual beach cleanup.
Did you know that every day the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastics are dumped into the world's oceans, rivers and lakes? While lots of efforts are being made to address this issue, there's still a long way to go. Plastic doesn't go away. These bottle caps were found at last year's beach clean up.
Coca Cola 1996, Pepsi 1993, Mountain Dew 1989
Photo credit: @peaceandharmonysarah
With sun and water, over time many plastics becomes brittle and break down into to tiny bits. I created this collage to give the beach a voice. I'm currently working on a much larger version and would love to show it in a gallery one day.
I want to invite you to join me on Sunday April 21 to help protect this crystal clear water. To learn more and sign up, please click on the link below. This is a free family event. I hope to see you on the 21st!
Andrea xx